Monday, November 12, 2012

An early intervention therapy for children with autism has been shown in a study to show unprecedented benefits in the brains of young children who have an autism spectrum disorder.

The study found the therapy, called the Early Start Denver Model (ESDM), not only boosted the cognition, language and social skills among very young children with autism but the researchers say it's the first study to show the intervention also "normalized" their brain activity.

"This may be the first demonstration that a behavioral intervention for autism is associated with changes in brain function as well as positive changes in behavior," Dr. Tom Insel, director of the National Institute of Mental Health, stated.

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The article link in at the bottom of this article. But, nice to see that CBS has stepped by, and created a webpage focused on Autism, and Autism Research!

Children whose mothers had the flu or a fever lasting more than a week during pregnancy had an increased risk of developing autism, a study finds.

(Photo: Tim Sloan, AFP/Getty Images)

STORY HIGHLIGHTS

Study finds fever and flu in pregnant mothers a risk factor for autism

Small increase in risk for autism after use of antibiotics during pregnancy

CDC experts say no reason to halt physician-recommended medicines

10:48AM EST November 12. 2012 - In a study that's already being greeted with notes of caution, Danish researchers report that children whose mothers had the flu or ran a fever lasting more than a week during pregnancy had an increased risk of developing an autism spectrum disorder.

U.S. health officials stress that the new study, out in today's Pediatrics, is "exploratory" and does not offer a specific cause of the developmental disability.

The study analyzed data collected from 97,000 mothers of children born from 1997 through 2003. It found no association between mothers who reported common respiratory or sinus infections, common colds, urinary tract or genital infections, during pregnancy and autism in their offspring.

But children whose mothers reported influenza during pregnancy had twice the risk of being diagnosed with autism before age 3, and children whose mothers had a fever for more than seven days had a threefold risk.

There was also a small increased risk of autism after the mother's use of various antibiotics during pregnancy. The study did not specify the conditions for which the antibiotics were prescribed.

"The study is really exploratory, and more research needs to be done to understand how maternal infections, as well as other risk factors, influence the risk of autism spectrum disorders," says Coleen Boyle, director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities. "We need to have more information to get a better sense of what's going on here."

Autism researcher Irva Hertz-Picciotto, a professor of environmental epidemiology at the University of California-Davis MIND Institute who was not involved in the new study, says that the findings are "noteworthy," especially given the study's size and that the mothers were interviewed during and shortly after pregnancy, and did not know what the child's outcome would eventually be, thereby eliminating "recall bias."

In May, Hertz-Picciotto co-authored a study in the Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders that found fever during pregnancy more than doubled the risk of autism or developmental delay in children. Flu during pregnancy, however, was not associated with a greater risk.

"Mothers who reported a fever and reported not taking any medication to reduce fever were at higher risk to deliver a child that later developed autism. On the other hand, if they had a fever and took a medication to reduce fever, their child was not at higher risk," Hertz-Picciotto said in an e-mail.

Fever is produced by acute inflammation — the short-term, natural immune system reaction to infection or injury, she says. Both her study and the new study raise the question whether inflammation may play some role in causing autism, says Hertz-Picciotto. Neither study proves causation, she says, "but add to the literature on fever and on infection."

Boyle says that the new study is "one piece of that very large ... very important puzzle to figuring out autism." Findings from CDC's Study to Explore Early Development (SEED), initial publication is expected in 2013, will provide additional information, she says.

For now, the standard clinical recommendations for treating pregnant women suffering from fever or flu should not change as a result of the new preliminary findings, says Marshalyn Yeargin-Allsopp, chief of CDC's Developmental

Disabilities Branch. "We don't want women to not take antibiotics or not treat fever if they have the flu," she says.

Other adverse health affects, such as structural malformations resulting in birth defects, have been associated with fever in pregnancy, says Boyle, "so there are other reasons to treat fever besides the findings from this new research."

Likewise, flu shots are critically important for pregnant women, "both because pregnant women are more likely to develop severe disease compared to non-pregnant women, but because there can also be effects on the baby," says Denise Jamieson, chief of CDC's Women's Health and Fertility Branch.

"Getting a flu shot while you're pregnant protects your baby for up to six months of life," a period when babies are too young to be immunized, she adds: "So it's good protection for the mom and good protection for the baby."

Wednesday, September 19, 2012

Award winning author, advocate, and Aspergirl, Rudy Simone will present "Understanding Asperger's Through the Lifespan" at the Buffalo campus on Saturday, September 22 at 9 a.m. in the Event Center, located in the Sullivan Center.

Simone is the author of several books on Asperger's in the areas of employment, female Asperger Syndrome, and relationships where at least one person is on the Autism Spectrum. "Aspergirls: Empowering Females with Asperger Syndrome" was the winner of the 2010 Independent Publisher's Gold Medal, and "Asperger's on the Job" was the winner of Foreword Review's 2010 Book of the Year Gold Medal. She is also the author of "22 Things" series of books on AS relationships. Simone has lectured in Australia, the UK and all over the US, and has shared the stage with Temple Grandin and Tony Attwood. For more information about Rudy Simone, visit http://help4aspergers.com/.

9 - 9:30am -- Continental Breakfast

9:30 - 11am -- Presentation

11 - 11:30am -- Q & A, book signing

The event is presented by Autism Services, Inc's Center for Learning, the Autism Society of WNY, Medaille College, and the College Internship Program (CIP).

Cost is $10 per person for early bird registration (before September 17), and $20 per person for late/on-site registration. Contact Kathy Eiss at (716) 633-2275 or visit www.friendsofasi.org for online registration.

The American Association on Health and Disabilities is accepting applications for its scholarship program supporting students with disabilities pursue higher education in a field related to disability and health (deadline, November 15th). While the amount is under $1000, every bit helps!

Updated 6h 49m ago JOHANNESBURG (AP) – Oscar Pistorius was selected Wednesday to run in both the individual 400 meters and the 4x400 relay at the London Olympics, clearing the way for him to become the first amputee track athlete to compete at any games.

By Alik Keplicz, AP

South Africa's Oscar Pistorius, who runs on carbon fiber blades, made history last year by qualifying for the world championships, where he won silver in the 4x400. South Africa's Oscar Pistorius, who runs on carbon fiber blades, made history last year by qualifying for the world championships, where he won silver in the 4x400.

Sponsored LinksIn a surprise last-minute decision, South Africa's Olympic committee and national track federation said the double amputee can run in his individual event as well as the relay even though he did not meet the country's qualifying criteria in the 400.

The Olympic committee earlier announced that Pistorius, who runs on carbon fiber blades, had been picked only for the relay.

"Today is truly one of the proudest days of my life," Pistorius said. "To have been selected to represent Team South Africa at the London 2012 Olympic Games in the individual 400m and the 4x400m relay is a real honor and I am so pleased that years of hard work, determination and sacrifice have all come together."

Olympic committee chief executive Tubby Reddy told The Associated Press that South Africa's track body asked for permission to allow Pistorius to run the 400, even though he missed the final qualifying time he needed at last week's African championships in his last qualifying race. Reddy said his South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee agreed to clear Pistorius for the individual one-lap race as well. "Since he's going to be there (in London), our decision is he can run both," Reddy told AP. "There's no reason why he can't."

The 25-year-old Pistorius, known as the "Blade Runner" will now likely be as big a draw at the Olympics as sprinting sensation Usain Bolt or swimming great Michael Phelps. The multiple Paralympic champion, who had both his legs amputated below the knee at 11 months old, will realize a dream to compete at the Olympics and the Paralympics in the same year and will get a chance at his career goal, which is to make the 400 final at the games.
"I have a phenomenal team behind me who have helped get me here and I, along with them, will now put everything we can into the final few weeks of preparations before the Olympic Games, where I am aiming to race well, work well through the rounds, post good times and maybe even a personal best time on the biggest stage of them all," he said.

Pistorius made history last year by qualifying for the world championships in Daegu, South Korea, where he made the semifinals of the individual race and won silver with South Africa in the 4x400 as the first amputee competing at the worlds.

However, South Africa's decision to leave him out of the relay final caused controversy.

In London, Pistorius now will run both events after setting a South African season-leading 45.20 in a meet in his home city of Pretoria in March. He was selected alongside Willem de Beer, Ofentse Mogawane and Shaun de Jager for the 4x400 and also will be South Africa's only entry in the men's 400. He missed out by less than a quarter of a second at his final qualifying race at the African championships. Pistorius won a silver medal at the Africans but was 0.22 seconds off the second Olympic qualifying time he needed under the country's strict criteria. But that didn't matter in the end.

SASCOC said all the athletes — including Pistorius — were picked on merit.

"As I have said many times before, we are not taking passengers to London," said SASCOC President Gideon Sam said.

Monday, May 07, 2012

A nice lady at the YMCA asked me to vote or her grandson; he is the joy in her life.

Oscar is three years old and has SMA [Spinal Muscular Atrophy].

Here is some more information about Oscar:

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In March, just weeks ago, Oscar got his “go power chair,” a motorized wheelchair, which he is already driving with skill and precision. He can now fully explore our house and yard, play tag with the neighbors, zoom in and out of rooms and to or away from us; he is able, therefore, for the first time, to truly assert his independence. However, this over 200-pound chair won’t fit into our sedan. Oscar is stuck relying on others to push his stroller or manual wheelchair at preschool, at birthday parties, at parks and museums—wherever he goes. In order for Oscar to explore the world beyond his own backyard, he needs a van. At an average cost of $40,000, just $5,000 less than our annual income, purchasing a fully accessible van is nearly impossible for our family.

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Here is the link for the contest updates-- Oscar is trending in the top five percent.

Saturday, April 21, 2012

Thursday, April 12, 2012

I have made a few changes to 'freshen up' the visual appearance of my blog. I have also puttered around Google and noted some of the new changes [mostly good] and have checked out the new dashboard [basement wiring/plumbing] and was pleasantly surprised at my readership.

Especially around the big news story yesterday on Autism and weight.

There is an old adage, "To those who much is given, much is expected."So, Researching Readers, I will make sure of all the new technology [Smart Phones, emails forwarding, etc.] to make sure I am posting more frequently, as pertinent news and information about Autism Spectrum Disorder populates our world.

My youngest, whom my college buddy correctly characterizes as 'leaning on the Asperberger fence" is doing well in an 11th grade charter school. We have 'compromised' on SAT special subjects prep by him playing Free Rice instead of reviewing the Kaplan book. [He gets to have a school break week filled with Wii.]

He is aware that he is differently able, and is learning to be both patient with those not as bright/witty and insightful as himself [Sheldon Cooper is a greater Anti-Role Model for the importance of social skills].

And he is what got he started on gleaning all sources for information, strategies, Old Wives Tales, etc. on Autism Spectrum Disorder. [I am glad it has evolved to be spectrum-- not so sure how I feel about the disorder...]

So, we are [somewhat] patient with the DVD recording EVERY SINGLE EPISODE of The Big Bang Theory but I am also a little excited about Stephen Hawkins appearing on the episode tonight.

...and maybe Cal Tech or MIT may be entered in my GPS next year...or Unknown U., where my ASD son may get to have his own lab and research something I cannot spell or understand.

MONDAY, April 9 (HealthDay News) -- Children born to obese or very overweight mothers are at higher risk of having autism or developmental delays, new research suggests.

The study of more than 1,000 children found that the offspring of obese mothers had a 67 percent higher risk of autism than the children of normal-weight moms, and more than double the risk of having developmental delays, such as language impairment.

"The odds of autism and other developmental delays were significantly higher in the children of moms who were obese versus those who weren't," said lead study author Paula Krakowiak, a biostatistician and doctoral candidate at the University of California, Davis.

The research included more than 500 children aged 2 to 5 with mild to severe autism, about 170 children with another type of developmental disability, and 315 typically developing children, all taking part in the Childhood Autism Risks from Genetics and the Environment, conducted between 2003 and 2010.

Children were assessed by experts from the university's MIND Institute to confirm their autism diagnosis, while mothers were interviewed about various aspects of their health before and during pregnancy. Information about weight came from either medical records or mothers' recollections of their weight before and during pregnancy.

Obesity is defined as a body mass index of 30 and up. Body mass index, or BMI, is a measure of body size based on height and weight.

While diabetes was also associated with increased odds of developmental delays in offspring, there wasn't a statistically significant association between diabetes and autism.

The research is in the May issue of Pediatics, published online April 9.

Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder in which children have difficulties with social interaction, verbal and nonverbal communication such as reading facial expressions and understanding other social cues, and restricted interests and behaviors.

About one in 88 U.S. children has a so-called autism spectrum disorder, which includes milder forms of the disorder, such as Asperger syndrome, according to updated figures from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. One in six U.S. children has a developmental delay, such as a speech or language impairment or other intellectual disabilities, the CDC says.

Considering that about one-third of the women of child-bearing age in the United States are obese and almost 9 percent have diabetes, the findings could have serious public-health implications, said Krakowiak.

Dr. Andrew Adesman, chief of developmental and behavioral pediatrics at the Steven and Alexandra Cohen Children's Medical Center of New York, said the findings "should not be ignored." However, he noted that other genetic or environmental factors are likely contributing to autism. Many parents of autistic children are of normal weight, while many obese parents don't have autistic kids.

"Although the results of this study suggest obesity is a risk factor for developmental problems in offspring, one cannot assume that developmental problems in the offspring are due to obesity, and many other factors may be involved or responsible," Adesman said.

Indeed, other research published last week identified several spontaneous genetic mutations as the cause of a fraction of autism cases. Parents' ages, especially fathers older than 35, were also associated with autism in those recent studies, published online in the journal Nature.

The reasons for the link between obesity and autism/developmental delays are unknown, though some research suggests that obesity unleashes inflammatory proteins, some of which may be able to cross the placenta into the fetus. It's possible the inflammatory proteins, known as cytokines, may harm a fetus's developing brain, Krakowiak said.

She also noted that while the research found an association between obesity and autism/developmental delays, it did not prove that being obese causes autism or other brain problems in the fetus. The link may be indirect.

"It may not be the obesity itself, but other things that lead to obesity, such as genetics, or lifestyle, or diet," Krakowiak said.-------------More information

The U.S. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke has more on autism.

Thursday, March 29, 2012

The number of children with autism in the United States continues to rise, according to a new report released Thursday by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The latest data estimate that 1 in 88 American children has some form of autism spectrum disorder. That's a 78% increase compared to a decade ago, according to the report.

Monday, February 20, 2012

[This is an encore blog I posted several years back-- I wanted to make sure to review this annually.]

It is that time of year—parents start thinking about Spring Break activities, vacations and developing a new strategy for dealing with teachers, administrators and various other academic interveners, disguised as well meaning and caring purveyors of public school education for the next school year. That's right-- Special Education Meeting [Student Support, Team meeting, Committee on Special Education, Medical Needs Group-- it goes by a variety of names]--Season.

So here is my Five Step Survival Guide to special education advocacy:

1.Have a Building Based Plan. Many districts require special education services to go through a central office. If you can avoid this, by all means do. These people do not know you child, and only have his/her psychological testing, social work evaluations to go by. (Have you ever wondered how you would be described in an evaluation done by a perfect stranger asking you things you don’t tell you best friend?) While this snapshot may be clinically acceptable, it is only a snapshot—you child needs should be based on more than that. If you cannot avoid going through a central committee, still pursue an unofficial meeting with the building based team leader—it may be the speech, OT or PT. In the worst-case scenarios, someone is usually the carryover year to year, and is the de facto coordinator of special services.

2.Know your Legal Rights. Well meaning administrators and teachers tell parents so much bad, subjective and completely wrong information, its scary. Parents have been mandated to medicate children, allow aversive therapies (electro-shock), deny medication (insulin), etc. that is critical parents have a copy of the IDEA law, the 504 section of the ADA, and the mandatory guide to special education services, which is required (but seldom seen). Learn the appeals process, the grievance process, etc.

3.Know Your Legal Options. There are lots of treatments, therapies and services that are available outside of the school district. Some health departments’ offer home based services to children at the pre-school stage, or children with serious medical conditions. Many health insurance plans cover speech, OT, PT. There are also services through the Office of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities for children with less severe issues (respite, summer camp, special play groups, equipment rental, etc.) If you have to try to wrangle services form the school district, there are disability advocates through centers for independent living (CIL’s), VESID and other local disability rights organizations; let you finger do the walking through the Yellow Pages.

4.Get a Second Opinion. You child’s kindergarten teacher may know finger paints and nursery rhymes, but that does not apply to disabilities. Most teachers are not required to take any classes about disabilities, or any cognitive impairment. Those fortunate enough to be at a school with a minor or electives have a limited selection, and little or no practicum. Always get a psychological evaluation outside of your child’s home school. This local person never can give a truly unbiased assessment, when they have the feedback of peers, teachers, and building neighbors.

5.Develop Your Own Plan. The Internet had leveled the playing field between parents and practioners. Anything you want to know about any issues, illness or disability is yours for the reading. Gather information, go the libraries and support groups, to bounce ideas around. Use parenting experience to document your child’s strengths, weaknesses, responses to stimuli, etc. This information should be distilled to a one page report to give to new teachers; share the long various with the building based special education/support services team.

Not everyone will value your level of preparation and knowing what you want, but one person will benefit—your child.

------------------There are also other resources available online: Terry Mauro has some good sources, with links to other state standards.

Yesterday I heard an interesting story on NPR. [You have to get past the first story aobout a guy who imitates President Obama for a living.] The second story is about a guy who finds out he has Asperberger's by a quirk of fate-- his wife takes a free test online -- and how it makes his life better.

Monday, September 05, 2011

here is the comment that went with it....--------------When this autistic man started having trouble singing the national anthem, something happened that could bring you to tears. What an amazing display of humanity. It's great to see that there is still goodness in the world.--------------Everyone deserves their moment, and the support for the good intention and doing a job, no matter how difficult!

Saturday, September 03, 2011

_228x547.jpg">Oscar Pastorius is back-- and determined to be qualify for the Olympics. i think the world needs to be open to this and other opportunities for the differently able to compete.

Don't feel sorry for 'tink, tink'-- strive to emulate his determination and cheer him on!
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Bladerunner: Oscar at the 2004 Athens Paralympics
Oscar Pistorius smiles whenever he is introduced as "the fastest man on no legs" even though some might be offended by the somewhat politically incorrect sobriquet.
For Pistorius, a talented sprinter who had both his legs amputated when he was a baby, it is just an indication of how far he has come ? and how much more he could achieve.
In a groundbreaking race next weekend in Sheffield, 20-year-old Pistorius will take on the current Olympic champion.
Not as some freak show or demonstration race ? but because for the first time in history, a disabled runner has earned his place among the world's elite on merit.
"Already a Paralympic champion and world-record holder in amputee races over 100m, 200m and 400m, Pistorius is now achieving something revolutionary.
With aid of high-tech carbon-fibre legs, he is almost as fast as the best able-bodied runners in the world.
While he could well set yet another world record for amputee athletes next week, that is no longer his goal.
Nothing short of qualifying for the Beijing Olympics next year will satisfy him.
But his case could divide the sport. While many see him as a groundbreaking hero, redefining the very concept of athletic achievement, others claim his artificial legs amount to cheating.
Pistorius himself can't see what all the fuss is about because he considers himself as just another athlete.
"I'm not disabled," he says breezily. "I just don't have any legs."
If this sounds like a story straight out of Hollywood, it will come as no surprise to learn that Tom Hanks is bidding to make a film about Pistorius, nicknamed the Bladerunner because of the carbon-fibre blades he attaches just below the knee.
Made by a specialist firm in Iceland and known as 'Cheetahs', they cost £15,000 a pair and are the Ferraris of artificial legs.

Recommended Video» Television Logo HistoriesFor their son Morgan and other people with autism, YouTube has fostered a community catering to his interest in television logo histories. So we asked him for links to some of his favorite videos. Here's some of his favorites of PBS and Paramount.

Selected Writings on Autism»

"Five Weeks" by Stephen Jay Gould The famous scientist recounts a personal story about his autistic son and the charming simplicity of calculating dates.

» "Parallel Play" by Tim Page The music critic for the Washington Post reflects on living with Asperger's syndrome.

» "The Vanishing Boy" by Paul Collins Making the difficult decision to put his son on anti-depressants, our guest tells his story and calls it one of the most important things he's ever written.

Saturday, July 31, 2010

The Center for Disability Rights is under attack - Tell Monroe County Executive Maggie Brooks to Restore the CDPAS Contract by phone and in person!

The Center for Disability Rights is under attack by the Monroe CountyExecutive, Maggie Brooks. Without warning, on July 22nd, CDR received aterse, 5 sentence letter informing us of the contract termination withno explanation included. All of our CDPAS consumers received a letterthe same day telling them that the county is terminating its contractwith CDR and that they have until just August 1st to choose from one offive for-profit agencies for their Consumer Directed PersonalAssistance.

The next day, CDR received from a friend in the local media, a copy of athree page letter from the County Executive to the media. The letterwas filled with blatant falsehoods mixed with misunderstandings of theroles of CDR and the county in the CDPAS program. Here is CDR's letterto Maggie Brooks debunking her allegations against CDR:

Tuesday, December 08, 2009

I heard this on a morning radio program-- you decide if this is valid or someone looking for fifteen minutes of fame. Used to address aggression, rage, anorexia symptoms or lack of appetite, some identify medical marijuana as a wrench in toolkit of treatments to address the range of behaviors/issues in the autism spectrum.

Sunday, November 08, 2009

The parents of Anne Lamic, 32 years old, will be the subject of a cotinuous webcam broadcast in Franch. Her parents feel this is a good opportunity to have people with disabiltieis become more public in France and European society. Seh cannot walk, or talk and have the mental abiltiies comparable to a one month old infant...

In case people are not followers of reality shows, I wanted to point out that there is a gentleman [on the left] with Asperger's Syndrome who is participating in the fall 2009 season of The Amazing Race 15.

About Me

I am a parent, management consultant, mentor, adjunct professor and director of a national community health initiative. In my spare time, I am a student and instructor extraordinaire, musing on on the spiritual significance of whatever passes in front of my window.

Academic Affiliations

If there is no struggle, there is no progress. Those who profess to favor freedom, and deprecate agitation, are men who want crops without plowing up the ground, they want rain without thunder and lightning.